BJP slams Ferrari for support to detained Italian marines

October 27, 2012 22:06 IST

The Bharatiya Janata Party in Kerala has slammed Ferrari's move to display the Italian Navy flag on its racing cars during the Indian Grand Prix to express solidarity with two Italian marines facing trial in Kerala for gunning down two Indian fishermen.

In a letter to Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, BJP state president V Muraleedharan said there "has been a brazen attempt by the Italian government to interfere in the internal affairs of India, especially the judiciary."

The BJP leader alleged that shortly after Ferrari announced its decision, an Italian minister had gone on Twitter to congratulate the company.

He wanted the government of India to stop Ferrari from making an "affront on the nation's sovereignty by banning Ferrari from participating if they do not withdraw from the controversial step."

The marines of the ship 'Enrica Lexie' -- Latorre Massimiliano and Salvatore Girone -- are facing trial for gunning down two fishermen off Kerala coast in February.

According to reports, the Formula 1 racing division of Italian auto major Ferrari would be fixing the flag on its cars during the Grand Prix this weekend to express solidarity with the two marines.

The National Fishworkers Forum has also taken objection to Ferrari's decision, holding that it amounted to challenging the fishermen community of the country and was a "shame on the nation".